Convention on Biological Diversity

Definition

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a global treaty aimed at conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable use of its components, and ensuring fair sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. It recognizes the critical importance of ecosystems and species diversity in maintaining the planet's health and supporting human life. By addressing issues like climate change, the convention seeks to protect both terrestrial and marine ecosystems from the adverse impacts of environmental changes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The CBD was adopted in 1992 during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and has since been ratified by nearly all countries around the world.
2. One of the key objectives of the CBD is to reduce biodiversity loss caused by human activities, including habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.
3. The convention emphasizes the importance of local communities and indigenous peoples in conservation efforts, recognizing their traditional knowledge and practices.
4. Under the CBD framework, countries are required to develop national biodiversity strategies and action plans to promote conservation and sustainable use.
5. The convention also addresses the need for equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources, ensuring that all countries can benefit from biodiversity.

Review Questions

• How does the Convention on Biological Diversity address the challenges posed by climate change to biodiversity?
  • The Convention on Biological Diversity recognizes that climate change poses significant threats to biodiversity by altering habitats, shifting species distributions, and increasing extinction risks. To tackle these challenges, the CBD promotes strategies for conservation and sustainable management of ecosystems to enhance resilience against climate impacts. By integrating climate change considerations into biodiversity policies, the convention aims to protect both terrestrial and marine ecosystems that are vital for maintaining ecological balance.
• Discuss how local communities and indigenous peoples are involved in biodiversity conservation under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
  • Local communities and indigenous peoples play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation under the Convention on Biological Diversity. The CBD acknowledges their traditional knowledge and sustainable practices that contribute to maintaining healthy ecosystems. The convention encourages participatory approaches in conservation efforts, empowering these groups to manage natural resources effectively while benefiting from their contributions. By involving local stakeholders, the CBD aims to create more effective and culturally appropriate conservation strategies.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Convention on Biological Diversity in reducing biodiversity loss since its inception in 1992.
  • Since its inception in 1992, the Convention on Biological Diversity has made significant strides in raising global awareness about biodiversity loss and promoting international cooperation. However, despite its efforts, biodiversity continues to decline due to ongoing threats like habitat destruction and climate change. Evaluating its effectiveness involves examining national commitments to implement biodiversity strategies, the integration of conservation measures into development policies, and assessing progress toward established targets. While progress has been made in some areas, challenges remain in translating commitments into action at local levels.

Related terms

Biodiversity: The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

Ecosystem Services: The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, such as clean water, pollination of crops, and climate regulation.

Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, balancing economic growth with environmental protection.